Alyssa Valdez still impresses former Taiwanese coach

KingWhale player Tsai Qin-Yao, Alyssa Valdez, and coach Teng Yen Min. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez still impressed her former coach Teng Yen-Min despite sustaining a left ankle injury in the third set of their game in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

The KingWhale coach, who called the shots for Valdez and Attack Line in the Taiwan league last 2017, said she warned her players about how talented the three-time PVL MVP is.

“Because Alyssa [moves well] and is good, we met in the player meeting, and I told every player Alyssa is good. She can control the ball, can attack, can dig, and she’s smart. She is a great player,” Teng said after their 25-15, 17-25, 25-22, 24-26, 15-5 victory over Creamline on Friday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

With Creamline missing Jema Galanza and Jeanette Panaga, Valdez was leading the way with 11 points for her squad in their close third-set encounter.

However, she sustained a left ankle injury after landing on Bea Carvalho’s feet off a block attempt that forced her out of the match and turned her into a cheerleader for the remainder of the game.

Valdez didn’t finish her match against her former head coach. But the two will have another game for the PVL championship on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippine women’s volleyball team star assured everyone while leaving the arena that she’s “okay.”

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Michele Gumabao, who stepped up with 11 points, said she believes that her teammate is a fighter and will play in the final game.

“Alyssa is not only our team captain, she’s also the glue to our team. Her injury is not too bad and she said she’s ok. She can still walk,” Gumabao said. “We’re just really praying that it will be better tomorrow. We’re looking forward for her to play this Sunday and hopefully, it’s nothing serious.”

“But knowing Alyssa, she will still pray whatever pain she’s going through,” she added.